Newbie Question: We'll be part-time RVers and keeping the 5er incovered storage lot when not in use. What types of food/condiments are safe to keep in the trailer while in storage? Of course, since we won't be running the refrigerator, we cannot keep perishable foods or foods that will melt (such as candy). But what about things like canned food (soup, veggies), cereal, pasta/Hamburger Helper mix, salt/pepper, sealed juices, etc.? Will they survive the warm tempertures in storage? Of course, we'll keep any opened, non-perishable products in a RubberMaid box to deter rodents.
ON EDIT: I'm not necessarily asking which foods can survive for years, but rather for one season. I'm more concerned with the effects of high temperature during the summer while in storage. We will clean out/discard any foods remaining at the end of the year.
Thank you!
Gary
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Spices when sealed last quite a while. Egyptian tombs still hold sealed jars of herbs and spices. Spices are often "irradiated" to make sure they are safe for long term storage. Canned goods from before World War One are still edible, having lost some of the nutrients.
PennState University says..."Commercially canned foods, whether in tins or glass jars, won't keep forever. Commercial canners work under tightly controlled conditions to assure a safe product, but there are limits to how long food quality can be maintained.
Several factors limit the shelf-life of canned foods. First, cans or metal lids on glass jars may rust. When rust is deep enough, tiny holes may form in the can or lid and let spoilage in. Shipping accidents that dent or crush cans also cause container problems.
Can corrosion is another factor. Foods, especially high-acid foods like tomatoes and fruit juices, can react chemically with metal containers. Over several years, this may cause taste and texture changes, and lower the nutrient content.
High temperatures over 100 degrees F are harmful to canned foods. The risk of spoilage jumps sharply as storage temperatures rise. Even at prolonged storage above 75 degrees F, the rate of nutrient loss increases. Light causes color changes and nutrient losses in foods canned in glass jars. Never use foods from containers with these spoilage warning signs - loose or bulging lids on jars; bulging, leaking or badly dented cans; or foods with a foul odor. Never taste a suspect food! When in doubt, throw it out!
To store commercially canned food properly, follow these guidelines:
- Store them in a cool, clean, dry place where temperatures are below 75 degrees F. A range of 60-70 degrees F is desirable.
- For highest quality and safety, use commercially canned food within two years."
We keep can goods and other dry goods in our TC year round. Check the dates on the goods from time to time and rotate the stock with fresh goods.This is what we do and its worked out rather well.
I usually keep oatmeal, wheat berries, oat bran, dried milk, olive oil, vinegar, salt, spices, dried berries, pasta, jarred tomato sauce, canned tuna, rice, beans, dried peas, dried spinach, dried celery, in either the camper or the trailer. I had stocked up the trailer for the season, so that I do not have to do as much shopping now.
We usually only have perishable stuff in the refrigerator, but we had kept sodas and water in the frig before. All the dried foods above are in mouse proof containers mostly plastic, and away from sunlight.
You can also store your toilettries, for long periods of time too.
on edit: coffee and tea can be stored too.
* This post was
edited 05/13/08 05:28am by Laura-N-Sasha *
I stock my PUP each spring with canned fruits/veggies and go all season, removing in the early winter. Some things seem to partially separate after sitting for a while (don't know if it's heat as it happens at home too), but are fine when stirred. I do keep track of the 'best used by' dates, and am cautious about dented cans. No ill effects so far.
I keep a lot of canned food and dry goods in my camper all summer cleaning them out when the weather turns cold. When I was in Vietnam we ate mostly canned C rations from the 1940's!!! Averaged about 25 years old, much older than we were. Everything was still good except for an occasional can of fruit. You could tell the bad ones as the ends of the can were bulged out.
05 Dodge Ram 3500 SLT SC DRW 4X4 CTD G56 373's CAI,Edge Juice/Attitude,Jake,Rancho9000x,Torklift tie downs,Superhitch,Stable Loads
04 S&S Avalanche 9' with slide 26th Marines RVN 69-70 Semper Fi M-14 was the only Woodstock I saw in 1969.
As the others have said - we leave all canned/bottled goods all of the time. When we travelled more frequently, I left the refrigerator plugged up and only removed milk and other fresh products. Condiments stayed in. Now I empty the fridge and bring in dry stuff because humidity can affect it. I bring in prescription meds and leave the rest.
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Everything was still good except for an occasional can of fruit. You could tell the bad ones as the ends of the can were bulged out.
